It’s a well-known fact that we’re crazy for coastal-inspired design, just look at our Three Birds Dream home! When you’re designing a beach house there are certain characteristics you’ll probably want to include to bring the coastal vibes into your home, a weatherboard exterior being one of our faves.

Take a look at how Bec Berrell, Reno School graduate and star of our latest Three Birds Home Tour episode, incorporated the hallmarks of a ‘beach house’ into her beautiful home Beach House H2O.

WATER VIEWS

If you can’t actually see the beach from your house, fake it ‘till you make it, baby! Unlike Bonnie, Bec actually does live close to the beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, but in lieu of an ocean view, no matter where your location, a sparkling swimming pool does the trick perfectly.

Just add water, and:

Tropical plants - palm trees and frangipani in Bec’s case;
Sun loungers - to soak up the sun and the view;
Umbrellas - for that authentic beachside resort feel.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

The indoor/outdoor flow is super important in a beach house. It’s what brings the outdoor, beachy vibe into the house and invites guest out of the house and into the alfresco space. Us Aussies love a BBQ and the mild climate makes it possible to dine outside all year round in many places.

Bec’s managed to achieve an almost seamless divide between her indoor and outdoor entertaining areas thanks to her huge sliding stacker doors. With a kitchen inside and out, this house is made for entertaining!

Bec’s essentials for an outdoor kitchen:

Built-in BBQ, sink and drinks fridge - this is a fully equipped kitchen, fire up the barbie and off you go!
External plantation shutters - they provide shelter and privacy but can be positioned to help extract BBQ smoke or protect the kitchen from the weather when needed.
Gas strut window - it’s a Three Birds signature and a must for Bec to hand plates out to the BBQ chef and ensure the conversation and drinks flow from indoors to out.

EAsy CARE FLOORING

Natural timber tones and easy care go hand in hand for beach house flooring. Bec chose engineered oak floorboards which are some of our faves too.

why engineered timber is a great choice for Beach House Flooring:

It looks just like natural solid timber.
It feels soft and fabulous under bare feet.
It’s easy to clean and low maintenance, it won’t require varnishing or regular upkeep.

CATHEDRAL CEILING

Choose a high raked ceiling and make it white.

how to highlight your stunning ceIling:

Add a statement pendant - or two oversized rattan pendants
Fans - even when the sea breeze isn’t blowing they’ll keep you cool
Beams - we love them more for the look than the functionality. Your builder can easily add these to your raked ceiling to achieve this look.

PEACEFUL BEDROOMS

After a day in the surf and sand, you’ll appreciate a calming bedroom to lay down your weary head.

3 steps for a dreamy beach house bedroom:

Big beds with luxe linen.
Plantation shutters to filter the bright sun or to push shut for an afternoon siesta.
Rattan furniture - it’s natural, textured and synonymous with beachside living.